ARI Targeted Technical Assistance Opportunity

Introduction

The ARI Training, Technical Assistance and Development (TTAD) partners (Center for Effective Public Policy (CEPP), Reimagine Justice Illinois, and Target Area Development Corporation) are pleased to offer free targeted technical assistance (TA) to all ARI sites. The TA will be tailored to each site’s request and provided remotely by one of the substantive experts on our TTAD team. All requests for TA must be received by April 15, 2027, and all assistance must be completed by June 30, 2027.

Assistance

Sites can request TA in one or more of the areas below (sub-topics under each of these areas are listed in the full application; you will be able to indicate the specific areas that fit your needs when you complete the full application).

● Getting referrals and building buy-in
● Treatment, recovery, and community supports
● Working with participants
● Specific populations and issues
● Data and program performance
● Staff development and program management

If you’re looking for assistance in an area that is not listed, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your need in the application.

Assistance may include training for staff and partners, facilitated meetings, help reviewing and using your data, written tools and templates, coaching for program leaders, and connections to other ARI sites that have worked on the same issue.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the ARI Targeted Technical Assistance Application. A copy of the application questions is included below so you can prepare your answers before you begin.

Review criteria

The TTAD team will review each request based on:

• How well the request fits the goals of your ARI program and the ARI model
• Whether the assistance is part of a larger effort to improve or sustain your program
• Why outside help is needed and what role you see for the TA provider
• The time and level of effort needed to deliver the assistance

Deadlines and Review of Applications

Applications are open now and will be considered on a rolling basis. Applications will close on April 15, 2027. Because resources are limited, we encourage sites to apply early.

We will confirm receipt of every application and reach out to request a call after we review your application. If your request is approved, we will work with your team to agree on the scope and timeline of the assistance.

Questions?

Please direct questions about this opportunity to Leilah Gilligan at the Center for Effective Public Policy at lgilligan@cepp.com. We look forward to working with you!

*The asterisk indicates the topics that can be supported through approaches informed by Restorative Justice (RJ). RJ approaches are both proactive, focusing on building relationships, strengthening community, and preventing harm, and responsive, focusing on repairing harm, addressing conflict, and identifying the root causes of harmful behavior, including criminal behavior while fostering accountability. RJ approaches can be applied in a variety of ways to meet the unique needs of ARI sites. These include strengthening organizational culture and climate through relationship- and community-building practices; facilitating circles to address conflict and repair harm among staff and participants; and providing training and facilitated dialogue on topics such as implicit bias, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and support, staff wellness and burnout prevention, and building stakeholder trust, engagement, and buy-in. At its core, RJ offers a flexible, relationship-centered framework for strengthening connections, navigating challenges, fostering accountability, and creating healthier, more inclusive, and supportive environments.